LONDON: Sniffer dogs have been used in searches for illegal cigarettes in some Tyneside shops.
Cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco were seized from two convenience shops in Bensham, Gateshead, after intelligence indicated that illegal tobacco was being sold at the premises.
At one store, the cigarettes were hidden in a planter under a sink, while in the other cigarettes were hidden in a cupboard behind the counter.
The illegal tobacco was either counterfeit or was not labelled in English and duty had not been paid on any of the seized tobacco.
Both the shopkeepers now face prosecution by Gateshead Council.
Dog handlers George and Chris, along with springer spaniel dogs Finn and Gunner work for local company Assetwatch Ltd, based in Northumberland.
David Knox, director, said: “Finn and Gunner have trained hard so it is easy for them to detect illegal tobacco, even when it’s hidden in the most unlikely places”.
Anneliese Hutchinson, service director, development and public protection, at Gateshead Council, said it was committed to tackling the problem of illegal cigarettes, which encourage people, including children, to smoke.
Ms Hutchinson said: “Those involved in dealing in illegal tobacco are encouraging people, including children, to smoke by providing them with a cheap source of the products.
“In a recent survey in Gateshead, nine out of 10 adults said they believed that illegal tobacco is a danger to children, helping get teenagers hooked on a lethal addiction. Nearly seven in 10 think it brings crime into local communities, lining the pockets of local criminals.
“The dogs are just one of the tools at our disposal to tackle those who choose to deal in illegal products. Sellers of illegal tobacco can expect to be prosecuted, and we hope that the public will continue to provide information to Trading Standards on where these sellers operate”.
